The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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SEPTEMBER 2017 THE WOLVERINE 31 Michigan's Top Five Rookies For 2017 1. WR Tarik Black — Black arrived in January to less fanfare than some of his rookie teammates, including one at his position. But he quickly estab- lished himself as one of the most talented players in the class, a notion enhanced by his play in the spring game. Black emerged as the leading receiver in the con- test, making four catches for 50 yards. Fellow frosh receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones added a pair of catches for seven yards, prompting redshirt junior quarterback Wilton Speight to take notice. "You quickly get acclimated to the college speed and how it operates," Speight said. "DPJ and Tarik have done that very well. They showed that today. DPJ was able to get off the press and hit the out route once or twice with a shallow. "Tarik was able to win on a couple go balls. For a 17- to 18-year-old kid to be able to come out and do that the first time in The Big House, that's special." Michigan needs a special receiving effort in the absence of all the top pass catchers from a year ago. Black could help lead the way. 2. WR Donovan Peoples-Jones — Peoples-Jones combines 4.4 speed, great leaping ability and good hands in a package that should only continue to develop through the year. He was slowed somewhat by injury in the spring, but should be ready to go for fall. Michigan's top trio of pass catchers from 2016 — wideouts Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson, along with tight end Jake Butt — combined for 1,908 yards receiving last year. Those yards are there for the tak- ing, and the freshman class could play a role. 3. OL Cesar Ruiz — Ruiz arrived early at Michigan, fresh off a recruiting banquet circuit that had him tipping the scales at 345 pounds. A dedicated effort to slim down had him at 317 by mid-summer, and he could see early time on the offensive line. He'll push fifth-year senior Pat Kugler at center, but could easily slip in at guard, if needed. He's learning all he can to be ready if called upon. 4. DE Luiji Vilain — There are any number of fresh- man defensive linemen who could rise up and fight their way into Michigan's two deep this season. Vilain, though, might feature one skill in particular that gets him on the field. He's a force coming off the edge and admitted hav- ing conversations with coaches about serving as a third-down pass rusher. He showed up to Michigan in great shape and will make his case in fall camp. 5. RB O'maury Samuels — Samuels certainly looks the part, the muscles rippling up his legs and torso. Michigan doesn't lack backs in 2017, but he could still make some noise with a strong camp. From various reports, Samuels proved impressive in the summer during workouts and player-led prac- tices. He'll look to carry that over with the pads on. — John Borton Tarik Black came to Michigan ranked as a four-star recruit, and the No. 11 wide receiver and No. 76 overall prospect nationally. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN